Könsidentitetshot och tonåringars intresse för könsstereotypa yrken och fritidsaktiviteter

Sammanfattning: Masculinity threat is associated with attempts to re-establish the status as a man, e.g. through gender stereotypical behavior (e.g. Bosson, Vandello, Burnaford & Weaver, 2009). Our study among teenagers explores the link between gender identity threat and interest in gender specific occupations and leisure activities. 297 students in secondary school (134 girls and 163 boys) took part in the experiment. After carrying out a task which either threatened or confirmed their status as masculine or feminine, they indicated their interest for occupations and leisure activities. The results failed to support the hypothesis that gender threatened students would show more interest in occupations that were stereotypical to their gender. However, students who displayed a stronger identification with their gender also showed a greater interest in gender stereotypical pursuits. Making ratings in a questionnaire may have been perceived as an ineffective way of re-establishing gender identity, particularly when not expecting the responses to be displayed in public.